WITH THE arrival of the new year, many smokers across the country would naturally be considering kicking their habit and one of the ways they could do that is through vaping.
But when making any switch, it is important to research what you are getting into.
Experts from vape retailer Go Smoke Free have found and answered the six most commonly asked questions online about vaping.
Top of the pile was: ‘How old do you have to be to vape?’ with 4.5K average monthly searches on Google, according to data on Ahrefs.
And ‘How many cigarettes are in a vape?’ has 3K average monthly searches, followed by ‘what happens when you quit smoking and start vaping?’ with 2.3K.
So Go Smoke Free analysed online search data using SEO tool Ahrefs to answer six of the most commonly asked questions about vaping in the UK in 2024.
Questions about vaping
1. How old do you have to be to buy a vape? (6.5K average monthly searches)
Just like laws surrounding smoking cigarettes, people must be aged 18 years or older to buy a vape in the UK. This includes purchasing nicotine-free vape juices, devices and kits for personal use. However, with the number of e-cigarette users rising, it could be possible to expect a change in legislation in future.
2. What happens when you quit smoking and start vaping? (5.2K average monthly searches)
By switching from cigarettes to vaping, people decrease their exposure to various toxins known to contribute to cancer, respiratory issues and other health complications, according to the NHS.
3. How many cigarettes are in a vape? (3K average monthly searches)
It’s common knowledge that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, so let’s unpack how many cigarettes worth of nicotine can be found in an average vape. One cigarette contains 12 to 15mg of nicotine, and smokers absorb around 1mg to 2mg per cigarette. An average disposable vape usually contains 20mg of nicotine, meaning that one vape can have the same amount of nicotine as 20 to 40 cigarettes. However, there are also nicotine-free disposable vapes and e-liquids available with 0mg.
4. Why does my vape taste burnt? (1.8K average monthly searches)
There are numerous reasons why e-cigarettes can sometimes taste burnt, including faulty devices and counterfeit products sold illegally. However, the most common reason is a burnt coil or dry wick. In this instance, it may be time to replace the wick or coil, re-fill the tank with e-liquid or buy a new disposable vape.
5. What happens if you put a vape in checked luggage? (1.3K average monthly searches)
If e-cigarettes are found in checked luggage, the Department for Transport (DfT) will confiscate the item in question. This is because the batteries contain lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires. Instead, people take their disposable or reusable vapes in their carry-on baggage or buy a replacement abroad.
6. How many calories are in a vape? (200 average monthly searches)
All e-cigarettes (disposable vapes, e-liquids and nicotine salts) contain small amounts of calories, but it’s only around four calories per gram. As vape cartridges are typically 500mg, that’s about 20 calories per vape, although this can vary. Also, sugar-free options made with artificial sweeteners may contain more.
So how popular has vaping become in the UK?
According to Go Smoke Free’s research, in 2023 a total of 4.7million in the UK used e-cigarettes.
A spokesperson said: “These individuals may be turning to vaping as a means to reduce the risks associated with conventional tobacco use, with nicotine-free vape kits and liquids on the market.
“It is important to spread awareness as interest in vaping grows, which is why this research analysed online search data to answer six commonly asked questions regarding vaping, from nicotine levels and travelling with e-cigarettes.”
Go to the NHS’ ‘Vaping to Quit Smoking’ page here for more factual information on how to use vaping to kick the habit.
Visit gosmokefree.co.uk for more on Go Smoke Free.
